Internet moguls are being held hostage by the entertainment system!

Chapter 51. Toughness is merely a means to an end.

"I didn't hear what you said."

Reba lay on the bed, fully dressed, and leaned her ear toward Chen Xiu, who was lying next to her.

Although her eyes were closed, Chen Xiu could still sense Reba's approach through her sense of smell and hearing.

Then, following the script, he reached out and put his arm around Reba's shoulder.

The scene originally had lines, but considering that Chen Xiu was lying face down with his mouth too close to the bed, it would be inconvenient to record his lines. So he only needed to move his lips, and the lines would be added later.

"Cut! OK, this one's passed!"

As soon as the director announced the end, Chen Xiu, who was lying down, immediately withdrew her hand, opened her eyes, and got up.

After spending half a month together, the crew members who had been filming around the bed were no longer surprised by Chen Xiu's ability to control her acting so naturally.

After getting out of bed, Reba pursed her lips and glanced at Chen Xiu, who was standing at the door putting on her coat.

After some hesitation, she mustered her courage and walked towards the door.

"Um, Chen Xiu, are you free later?"

Before Chen Xiu, who was wearing a trench coat, could even speak after hearing the question, she was already in a daze.

Wei Feng handed him the clothes, waved in a mock manner towards the corridor, called out "Big Bear" to the air, and then walked away first.

Chen Xiu glanced speechlessly at Wei Feng's fleeing figure, then turned back to Reba and said, "This is the second time you've asked me out. Last time it was for dinner, are you planning to ask me out for a late-night snack tonight?"

The first time Dilraba took the initiative to invite Chen Xiu to dinner happened a week ago, when the two filmed their first scene together.

During the meal, Chen Xiu assumed that Reba wanted her help with something, but for some reason, she didn't mention anything about helping until the meal ended and they went back to their respective rooms.

It was because they had eaten together once before that Wei Feng had such a keen eye...

It's 21 PM now, so it's definitely more appropriate to have a late-night snack.

To Chen Xiu's surprise, Reba's invitation was even more daring: "I'd like to invite you for a drink. The hotel bar should still be open."

"You're buying me a drink? Just the two of us?"

Chen Xiu frowned slightly and asked repeatedly to confirm.

He's not narcissistic. During the last dinner, he could clearly sense that Dilraba didn't have that kind of feeling, at least not at this stage...

Through observation, Chen Xiu sensed that Reba harbored a hidden worry and anxiety.

Under the influence of these two extreme negative emotions, it is difficult for a person to develop any interest in the opposite sex, so why would she ask him to go drinking?
With this in mind, Chen Xiu's gaze toward Reba became questioning.

Looking up and meeting Chen Xiu's gaze, Reba pursed her lips and nodded, saying, "Yes, I want to talk to you alone."

"Maybe next time! I have plans for tonight," Chen Xiu said, shaking her head in refusal.

After saying that, he added, "If you have anything important to say, you can say it now."

Reba stared blankly at Chen Xiu, moved her lips, but ultimately just shook her head and walked away without saying anything.

Watching her departing figure, Chen Xiu felt a sense of sadness brewing within him, but since Reba herself didn't say anything, he really couldn't guess.

Chen Xiu pursed her lips in frustration. She did have something to do tonight, so she stopped paying attention to the hot forum.

Chen Xiu stayed on the filming location until director Wu Qiang finished his work for the day and called Wei Feng and Xiong Ben back to his side. Only then did he greet him and invite him to go out for a late-night snack.

While they were eating, Chen Xiu told Wu Qiang the reason why she had invited him to have a late-night snack.

"What? You're asking for leave?"

Wu Qiang had half a mouthful of beer left in his mouth, his eyes wide with surprise, and he couldn't help but complain in his heart.

While it's true that you're obligated to help someone who's paid for your meal, isn't this a bit too fast? I've only eaten half of my late-night snack, and you're already giving me a hard time?

Looking at Wu Qiang's hesitant eyes, Chen Xiu wasn't sure if he had forgotten his promise to let her take leave before filming started, or if he was feeling awkward and looking for a way to decline.

Both situations are perfectly normal; after all, who would constantly worry about other people's affairs?
Fortunately, Chen Xiu didn't think that everything would be fine just because the other party agreed. Inviting Wu Qiang to dinner tonight was a polite way of putting things first. She would definitely take the day off.

"Director Wu, I do have something to do and would like to ask for two days off."

“If it were just you taking leave, it wouldn’t be a big deal, but we have to film your scenes with Dilraba for the next two days. If you’re gone, she’ll have to take a break too. Director Chen Mingzhang just finished a meeting with me this morning and said that the schedule is a bit behind, so he wants me to work harder these next two days…”

Wu Qiang's attempt to decline was cut short by Chen Xiu's sudden darkening expression.

In fact, he had not forgotten that he had promised Chen Xiu he would take leave.

However, considering the immense pressure Chen Mingzhang put on the filming, coupled with Chen Xiu's consistently friendly attitude towards everyone in the crew during this period...

After careful consideration, Wu Qiang realized that declining Chen Xiu's request for leave would likely have a smaller impact on him.

However, the so-called friendly attitude towards others is merely a matter of upbringing and does not mean that Chen Xiu is incapable of causing him more serious consequences.

This excuse made Chen Xiu lower her eyebrows and stare at Wu Qiang, then she raised her hand and put it on his shoulder.

"Should I call Director Li of Pengcheng Broadcasting and Television Group?"

"Filming has already begun, and Director Li cannot interfere with the specific affairs of the production team..."

"you're right."

Chen Xiuru nodded seriously, then said in a very calm tone, "If the director is changed, will the filming have to stop?"

"More... change the director."

"In that case, you won't be in a difficult position. I can achieve my goal, and all I have to pay is money."

Wu Qiang stared blankly at Chen Xiu, completely unexpected that this seemingly gentle young man would make such an excessive move.

"I've looked at the crew's expenses these past few days. Although I don't know your salary, I imagine it won't be too high. The expenses for changing the director and the crew stopping for two or three days should be easily covered by 300 million..."

Chen Xiu took out her phone, typed in the calculator, and calculated the bill for Wu Qiang.

This simple scene made Wu Qiang tremble with fear; it was too damn scary!
Seeing Chen Xiu start calculating the cost of his plane ticket, Wu Qiang quickly softened his stance and said, "Brother, things haven't come to this yet. I can still help you arrange a two-day vacation."

"I hope this won't put you in too much of a difficult position?"

Chen Xiu held her phone, making a final confirmation in a considerate tone.

Wu Qiang kept assuring Chen Mingzhang that he wouldn't make things difficult for him and that he would find a way to persuade him.

Judging from his appearance, he seemed somewhat reluctant. Considering that they would be spending another three months together, Chen Xiu did not allow the negotiations to end with her coercion.

"Old Wu, I really have a reason to ask for leave. I'd pay up for 300 million, let alone 500 million!"

"Hehe, it's not that bad."

Seeing that Wu Qiang was agreeing with her, Chen Xiu patted him on the shoulder, her voice no longer as calm as before.

“I didn’t mean to make things difficult for you. The day after tomorrow is my grandmother’s death anniversary. When I was little, my parents were busy, and my grandmother raised me most of the time. I believe that one should not fail to be filial to one’s parents…”

"understand."

Seeing Chen Xiu explaining the reason to him, Wu Qiang knew that he didn't need to explain.

The fact that this was explained in detail has completely dispelled the lingering resentment in Wu Qiang's heart, and instead has given him more empathy!
"Oh dear, look what's happened! It was my oversight. When we get back to the hotel, I'll go have a drink with Director Chen and make sure you get leave!"

"Then I'll have to trouble Director Wu!"

Chen Xiu smiled and raised her glass to clink with Wu Qiang's.

Although he could still achieve his goal without those last two sentences, adding them would make Wu Qiang feel more comfortable helping him.

Being tough is just a means; if you use it too much, the effect will be greatly reduced. Chen Xiu felt that her own method was better.

(End of this chapter)